Cathedral Valley Farm

468 Cathedral Lane, Taggerty, Vic
phone: (03) 5774 7235
web: cathedralvalleyfarm.com.au

The location Taggerty is one of a run of small towns along the Maroondah Highway in central Victoria, reached via the windy road of the ferny, tall-treed Black Spur, and nestling at the entry to the Cathedral Range State Park. The tiny hamlet's views take in the painterly outlook of the valley and weathered crags such as Little Cathedral, Sugarloaf, Jawbone and Chapel Hill.

The place Smartly created by a makeover of an original 1961 kit home, with slimline corrugated-iron internal features and limed timber, this two-wing house has a central living room and is thus suited for a two-family stay. Each wing has a kitchen, spa bathroom and two king-sized bedrooms (each of the king beds can be converted into twin beds). The scenery includes an overhanging view of the nearby ridge, a reflective dam and peacocks - there are outside terraces from which to enjoy the fresh air and views.

The experience This 60-hectare farm stay offers visitors the opportunity to feed and pet its cows, alpacas, horses and chooks - at a reasonable mid-morning hour - and some pleasant walking around the dam and paddocks. For the more serious walker, there are a number of well-known day walking trails at the adjacent state park. Or use it as a base for a day's skiing or snowball tossing at nearby Lake Mountain, or for a day trip to the lake and river system of Lake Eildon.

Don't miss ... a walk in the state park. The Buxton Hotel (2192 Maroondah Highway; 03 5774 7381) offers a free bus shuttle for diners; and for lovers of outstanding organic meals, drop into Healesville's Wombat's Chai cafe, (194 Maroondah Highway, Tuesday to Sunday; 03 5962 2611) on your way to and from Taggerty. – Jacinta Le Plastrier

Cost: $600 a night for the entire house (sleeps eight); half-house, $380 a night (sleeps four). Two night minimum stay.

Distance: 110km (1 1/2 hours' drive) from Melbourne.

- Good Weekend

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